the expertise of F.J.Darley
Timber work
We are fully apprenticed shipwrights in all forms of timber repair, build and restoration work. Our shipwrighting skills span from rebuilding the Alma Doepel (120 foot, timber 3-masted schooner) and the Curlip (80 foot paddle steamer), fit out work and new teak decks on Dream Catcher III and Independent Endeavour (Swan 64’s) to rebuilds of Tum larins (Sirocco and Ettrick). Common problems such as rotting and loss of structural stiffness can be addressed.
Fibreglass builds, repairs and maintenance
Our skills cover all forms of fibreglass and composite build and repair work. Our facility allows us to carry out new builds such as Birrarung (54 foot composite, diesel/electric motor launch) and Restless Wind (40 foot fibreglass charter vessel) to architectural structures and panels using vacuum techniques.
surface finishes
Our wooden restoration services cover all work from fishing boats/commercial vessels to classic yachts/motor boats, and take into account a variety of factors including; age of the boat, type of wood, type of construction, and the weather conditions the boat is exposed to. The restoration of painted or varnished surfaces are carried out to a high standard and finished using single or 2 pack polyurethane, seluxithane or epoxy paints or varnishes. We can obtain a high standard finish with either spray or brush techniques.
Insurance work
If your boat has been damaged while out on the water (e.g. collision with another boat or object), vandalised, or damaged by fire or flooding, we provide insurance repairs for timber, fibreglass or steel boats.
Commercial work - Survey Certification
Due to our extensive experience with survey vessels; the M.V.Pearl, the P.S Curlip, the S.V Tasmin Bay, the M.V.Birrarung, the M.V. Lady Cutler, the S.V. Alma Doepeland the M.V. Restless Wind, to name a few; all our commercial work is carried out to ensure that your commercial vessel complies with government marine board standards.
Anti-fouling
Our anti-fouling service includes preparing the hull and are able to recommend a wide range of quality primers and anti-foul to ensure the resistance and protection to all types of vessels.
Mast and spar making and rigging work
Our experienced shipwrights specialise in all forms of timber mast and spar making and repairing. All construction types; box, birdsmouth, laminated or solid, douglas fir or spruce masts and spars can be made new or repaired and restored. All forms of traditional rigging, splicing, serving, seizing and leather work are carried out.
Stainless steel fabrication and supply
We can fabricate in all forms; from cast bronze, galvanised mild steel and stainless steel including; push-pits, pull-pits, rails, stanchions, fishing rod holders and more. We can custom design, construct, cast and fit a range of fixtures and fittings for yachts and decks including cleats, bollards, etc.
Engineering and electrical work
We do not service engines but are skilled in all forms of installation of engines, generators, engine beds and installation of shafts bearings and packing glands. We have installed several ‘electric motor’ systems; S.V Frances 8m classic yacht and M.V. Birrarung.